Nayara Alto Atacama

Location

While this luxury lodge is located just three kilometres away from the relative bustle of San Pedro de Atacama, its Catarpe Valley setting in the Salt Mountain Range gives it a feeling of utter remoteness. For guests, it’s the chance to experience oneness with the wild landscapes of the Atacama; even the roofs of the village-inspired buildings blend seamlessly into a terracotta backdrop of rugged desert ridges. Fulfilling guests’ every need is a team of highly trained staff – half of whom are indigenous to the Atacama – and their unique understanding of the region’s geography and history only serves to enrich the experience of staying at one of northern Chile’s finest hotels – one whose doorstep delights include spouting geysers, bubbling hot springs, volcano climbs and moon-like desert canyons.

Accommodation

Situated in the hotel’s pristine gardens, ten ‘Suite Tilo’ rooms look out from private terraces to views of the lagoon and Catarpe Valley. With terracotta tiles and rich wood tones throughout the colours of the desert are reflected in the hotel’s aesthetic while indulgent touches such as outdoor showers only add to the sense of luxury. Elsewhere, the 27 ‘Standard Catarpe’ and five ‘Quitor’ rooms are closely matched in style, space and amenities with private terraces and uninterrupted views of the Cordillera de la Sal; the ‘Quitor’ rooms are located closest to the common areas.

Dining

Working closely with local producers, the lodge’s excellent restaurant strives to showcase the finest and freshest organic ingredients in a menu bursting with colour and flavour. All dishes, whether a la carte or from the asado barbecue, are accompanied by a comprehensive selection of wines from Chile and beyond.

Facilities

Moving away from the traditional idea of the hotel swimming pool, H2O features six outdoor pools and a Jacuzzi all with views across the Catarpe Valley; it’s a wonderful place to while away the hours between desert hikes and hot spring tours. As is the Puri Spa whose menu of treatments celebrate the glacial water that runs down from the high Andes to create the oasis of San Pedro de Atacama. Choose between Finnish saunas, Turkish baths, Scottish showers and indoor or outdoor hot tub soaks. In the evenings, cast your eyes to the Atacama's starry skies Alto's very own open-air observatory, the only one of its kind in the region.